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Kayakers to travel 100 miles for disabled children
A GROUP of Wycombe sports enthusiasts will be testing their stamina by kayaking 100 miles non-stop down the river Thames for disabled children.
The team of ten will be aiming to raise £20,000 for charity BDF Newlife when they make the trip from Cricklade, North Wiltshire, to Marlow in July.
Team leader Oliver Mansfield from Holmer Green said: "We aim to complete this challenge as quickly as possible and feel we have the physical and mental ability to succeed - and the discipline required to maintain a demanding training schedule."
The team plans to set off from Cricklade on July 11, arriving in Marlow the following afternoon.
Mr Mansfield said: "Our touring kayaks will be paddled individually and the 30 locks en route will be negotiated either on the water or the kayaks will be taken on foot beyond the lock."
The 26-year-old sports therapist said that the team has raised more than £26,000 for various charities. In 2004 they walked 75 miles around the Isle of Wight in 29 hours, netting them £8,000 for BDF Newlife.
Then in 2006 they raised £14,000 by cycling 240 miles in one day, riding from Holmer Green to Portsmouth, around the Isle of Wight and then back again.
BDF Newlife is a charity that supports children with birth defects and their families, as well as conducting research into curing babies born with health conditions.
Mr Mansfield said: "All the money goes to the babies and kids. We choose where the money goes so we get to meet the kids that we've helped."
He said that one 13-year-old girl they helped had never been shopping because she needed a wheelchair. The team were able to pay for her wheelchair, and then took her out shopping.
"It was tremendously rewarding for all of us."
Sheila Brown OBE is chief executive of the charity. She said: "We are delighted to receive their support and call upon anyone who cares for the welfare of disabled children to help support this fantastic team challenge."
Anyone who wants to make a donation should contact Morlene Smith on 01543 468888.
Donations can also be made at www.justgiving.com/thames100
7:20am Sunday 23rd March 2008
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